The Welsh First Minister appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss King Charles III 's visit to Cardiff, Wales and his thoughts on the new Prince of Wales.
Mark Drakeford said it was 'not the week' to discuss the future of the monarchy, as he was quizzed about his Republican stance by hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway - who asked the Leader of Welsh Labour how he thinks William, the new Prince of Wales, will be received by his constituents.
The First Minister of Wales claimed 'no one is expecting miracles' when asked if the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate Middleton should learn the Welsh language , and said there is a 'legitimate debate' over whether the title of Prince of Wales should have been automatically passed on to Prince William
King Charles III will be making a trip to Cardiff, Wales later today - his first since becoming King following the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth - and the new Head of State will meet charitable organisations and faith leaders after having a private audience with Mark.
A protest against the monarchy is scheduled to take place during the new King's visit, with organisers saying a silent demonstration will start from 1pm at Cardiff Castle - with many attending expected to hold signs questioning the need for a monarchy and call for a new form of democracy.
"Well there is a legitimate debate in Wales about that whole issue, but my own view is this is not the week for that debate," Mark said on Good Morning Britain earlier today - going on to explain how this should be a week where the nation focuses on saying goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II.
As presenter Kate reminded Mark the Prince and Princess of Wales have previously lived in the country, she went on to ask the Welsh First Minister if he knows if the couple are fluent in the national language and if not, is it something he would like them to learn.
"The language is a very important part of our life here in Wales," Mark replied on the ITV show. "It is spoken every single day by thousands and thousands of people - nobody will expect miracles. Nobody will expect someone to become instantly fluent in a new language.
"But I'm quite sure the new Prince of Wales will both understand the importance of the Welsh language and make sure his relationship with the Welsh people is a respectful one."
Earlier on Good Morning Britain, former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith argued people should be allowed to protest without 'impinging' on people's grief and stated balance is what makes the United Kingdom such a great country.
"If you do feel strongly about that, it's reasonable for you to be able to protest," she said on the ITV show. "I think Keir Starmer got it right earlier this week when he said 'Protest is legitimate but also so is grief and mourning' and it's qood therefore that it's a silent protest.
"Given what we were saying about people's individual grief , not to impeach on people's grief or wish to demonstrate. I think that's a balance that can be reached and I hope it is later today."
